realestate

National Association of Realtors' Fair Housing Consumer Guide

NAR warns against discriminatory practices in transactions, advising sellers not to exclude certain buyers through agent direction.

T
he National Association of Realtors is emphasizing the importance of fair housing practices in real estate transactions. According to NAR, discrimination can harm all parties involved, including consumers and agents, and undermine community and economic growth.

    Buyers should expect equal service from their agent, regardless of whether they belong to a protected class or not. This includes receiving home options within their price range, without bias towards neighborhoods based on racial or ethnic composition.

    Sellers must avoid discriminating against buyers based on their protected characteristics and refrain from instructing agents to conduct sales differently. They also cannot advertise properties in a way that indicates preference for certain groups.

    Realtors are obligated to follow the law and adhere to the Realtor Code of Ethics, which includes providing equal services to all consumers and avoiding discussions about neighborhood demographics or advertising preferences. NAR has made fair housing training mandatory for its members since 2023.

    As part of its consumer education campaign, NAR has published various resources, including guides on agent pay, concessions, and the choice to list properties on the MLS, as well as a buyer guide on compensation and negotiation.

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